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S/S 15 Cancer Chic: The Chemo Chapters

So, yes, sadly I am back with cancer. But before I get into the finer details, I thought it was better to start with something vital: hair.

From the first mention of cancer back in January, one of my initial, if shallow, thoughts was about losing my hair. I’ve been growing it for a little over ten years, which for my closer friends means that I’ve asked them approximately 10 years x 52 weeks = 520 times the all-important question: “Have you seen how long my hair is now?!”.

However, from the moment that I realised chemotherapy was now on my to-do list, I knew that this Pocahontas phase was over – at least for the time being. To add to an ever-increasing score of things I’ve learned lots about in a very short space of time, one thing I’d never considered was that “chemo” isn’t just “chemo”. There’s many different varieties and doses of chemo drugs, based entirely on the type and stage of your cancer.

My personal cocktail is a mixture of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin (Carbo/Taxol, for those in the know. Or Caro/Taxol, to be more egocentric). In the side-effects boxes, my oncologist marked “hair loss” as a big, fat 100%. That was it for me. Rather than waiting around for huge clumps of long hair to appear in the shower or on the pillow, I decided to take control back, choosing a wig and getting rid of my hair on my own timetable. Well, after all, they do say that the best defence is a good offence.

So, here was my plan of attack:

Buy at least one really nice wig.

Cut off my own hair in stages over about a week, up to bob length, to get used to it.

Shave off the rest of it the day before starting chemo, via various comedy styles I’ve always fancied trying and whilst listening to Old Skool Garage.

Below are some of the highlights of this experience (including, shockingly, my FACE!!!). Full video at the bottom if you are desperate to see four hands massacring a head of hair.

Cut number 3: bob length. I also followed a tip and got some clear glasses as they cover up lots of your face, especially the eyelash/eyebrow area, so I have been trying to get used to them while they are just novelty, as opposed to actually necessary.

28 thoughts on “S/S 15 Cancer Chic: The Chemo Chapters”

Such a beaut and just so brave, that massive earring collection will be coming in handy too- no doubt you will find thousands of ways of coordinating the earrings/ lounge pants/ head scarves. Love you, from one very proud friend xxxxxxx

Wow, the timing of this blog post is perfect. I am about to have my first chemo treatment on Thursday. A hairdresser friend came over this afternoon, to cut my hair short in preparation. (It’s currently a shoulder length bob, so nowhere near as long as yours was). And do you know what? I changed my mind. The time didn’t feel right today. So we just chatted, drank tea and ate my homemade white chocolate & cranberry cookies.
You look beautiful – with all your various haircuts! Wishing you all the very best with your treatment. x

Watched the whole video. It’s a little bit late I’m s little bit tired and I’m properly pissing tears. It’s the first time I’ve seen you this year. You know you looked gorgeous in each of the hair dos and the pixie look is a corker. Good choice in wigs too! I will pop over some time this week with your pressys. Let me know if there is a day you’d prefer. Love you A Xxxx Ps everyone here today sent loads of love to you and will too xxxx

You look amazing! Particularly like the undercut and crop with fringe…. Very Spanish! The neck, chest and back hair is HAWT. (I am about to marry exactly that!) I really do think you look beautiful. I bet a head massage would feel lush with short hair- possible activity for week 3? Gentle Indian head message? BIG love from the gang in Miami x

Thanks Jess! Maybe I could’ve done one of those half fringes too… Missed a trick! Head massage sounds lovely but I think I’ve read somewhere that it’s actually not too good while your head is sensitive. Back massage though… I’m in!!!! Lots of love back and also I want to go to the Florida Keys please xxxx

I can’t think of anyone more creative and beautifully faced to rock a combination of different coloured/ printed scarves, short and long wigs in brunette (I love the fringe and glasses combo, so sophisticated!). What I want to know is are you going to try a blonde look?! I am looking forward to seeing new looks you are styling. xxx